Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Aaron Chen challenged Entertainment Tonight host Emily Curl to a pickleball match to promote their new film.
The stunt serves as a high-profile marketing push for "The Dink," a comedy centered on the sport that premiered on Apple TV+ on July 24, 2026 [1]. By blending real-world athletic competition with celebrity promotion, the cast aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of pickleball to drive viewership for the streaming release.
The challenge took place on the set of Entertainment Tonight, where the cast engaged in a playful rivalry. During the segment, Steenburgen said, "He's just chicken."
Promotion for the project began earlier this summer, with the official trailer for the film released on June 23, 2026 [2]. The film features a cast that includes Johnson, Steenburgen, Ted Danson, and Andy Roddick.
Beyond the athletic challenges, the cast has discussed the chemistry and comedic timing required for the production. Johnson said that "making out with Mary Steenburgen was a professional highlight," while Steenburgen said, "I went really wimpy on take one."
The promotional tour has focused on the intersection of celebrity culture and the niche sport, utilizing the ET studio to create viral content ahead of the July 24 premiere [1].
“"He's just chicken."”
The use of a real-life sporting challenge reflects a broader trend in streaming marketing where cast members engage in 'gamified' promotion to attract younger audiences. By tying the film's theme of pickleball to a public challenge, Apple TV+ is attempting to convert the sport's real-world momentum into digital viewership for the title.
